The construction of three homes near Sherman Elementary School was celebrated yesterday as the latest development in the New Schools New Neighborhoods initiative.

Standing in front of a two-story tan house with blue shutters on Page Street, NorthRiver Development Corp. and Lagrange Development Corp. leaders touted the new houses as major factors in attracting families.

City of Toledo and Toledo Public Schools officials said the program is a great way to revitalize neighborhoods.

The Page Street homes are three of 24 new houses in the area near Sherman.

Carter and Tamara Coley are leasing a similar home on Locust Street, where they moved in a month ago.

Ms. Coley said "it's a blessing" to have found such a nice and affordable place in the neighborhood where they already lived.

"It's great because a lot of things are getting old," she said. "People deserve to live in new places."

Terry Glazer of Lagrange Development says a second phase of 24 new homes around the north end is scheduled for autumn.

The Coleys went from a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home for their family of six to a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home - which was part of the blessing, Mr. Coley said.

"They are beautiful homes," Ms. Coley said.

The lease-purchase model is being used with monthly payments of $550 for the 1,600-square-foot houses.

Terry Glazer, Lagrange Development's executive director, said the development is a $5.3 million project to help add to the revitalization of neighborhoods that are getting new schools.

There have been 16 homes completed with 10 occupied.

"What we're building here are homes we can be proud of no matter where they are," he said.

To keep up the appearance of the neighborhood, a neighbor on Page Street added new siding to his home after the new ones were built, which is part of the trickle effect the initiative aims to achieve, Mr. Glazer said.

Tom Manahan, chairman of New Schools New Neighborhoods, said the initiative was a great opportunity to use the TPS new building program to energize neighborhoods.

The New Schools New Neighborhoods are around the new Sherman, Chase, and Garfield elementary schools, and Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls.

"We're talking truly transformational change in a few neighborhoods that will hopefully affect others in the city," Mr. Manahan said.

A second phase of 24 new homes is scheduled for this fall around Sherman and Chase elementary schools and Woodward High School, Mr. Glazer said.

Contact Meghan Gilbert at:

mgilbert@theblade.com

or 419-724-6134.

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